EastEnders has confirmed that Kim Medcalf will be returning as Sam Mitchell for a short stint this Christmas, and the actress has shared her thoughts on coming back.
EastEnders has revealed that Kim Medcalf will be returning as Sam Mitchell for a short Christmas appearance.
Sam has been away from Walford for almost two years, during which time her old rival, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), has also returned to the Square, convinced someone is watching her every move.
The two haven’t crossed paths in two decades, not since they were both caught up in the fallout from Den Watts’ (Leslie Grantham) murder. While Den’s wife, Chrissie (Tracy-Ann Oberman), delivered the fatal blow, Sam was initially blamed for his death.
When Sam makes her comeback on Monday, December 8, she heads straight to her older brother Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) house to raid his strongbox for cash. But what’s behind her urgent need for quick money?
Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) lets Sam take the money, mistakenly thinking she is his daughter, Clare. Meanwhile, elsewhere on the Square, Zoe quickly tracks down Sam, sparking a tense confrontation between the two, according to OK!.
Kim Medcalf, 51, has spoken about her character Sam’s true feelings during this unwanted encounter with Zoe on the BBC soap.
She explained: “Zoe is one of the last people Sam wants to see. Facing her brings up a whole series of memories Sam would rather forget, so she tries to avoid any long or deep conversations with her.”
Discussing Zoe’s stalking ordeal, Kim added: “You can’t blame Zoe for being suspicious of Sam — they have a shared history. Both went through a terrible experience that traumatised them, though in different ways.”
“Sam is determined to focus on far more important things,” Kim explained. “She tells Zoe that she’s here to sort out her own life, not to ruin Zoe’s. I think Zoe is convinced by Sam’s assurances, but Kat isn’t entirely sure about her.”
Reflecting on reuniting with Michelle Ryan after two decades, Kim said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. Michelle is such a lovely person, and being back on set with her has been brilliant. It’s also taken us down memory lane, remembering where our characters were when we were last on the show and what was happening in Walford at the time. Having that chance to reminisce together has been wonderful.”
Beyond the clash with Zoe, the returning Mitchell faces a personal health scare, confiding in Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) that she has found a lump in her breast and fears it could be cancer.
Jack confronts Sam when she admits she hasn’t sought medical advice, but Phil barges in to reclaim the cash she took. Denise Fox (Diane Parish) learns of Sam’s health concerns through Jack and approaches her with a proposed arrangement.
Kim explained: “This is the second time Sam has discovered a lump in her breast. Twenty years ago, she was very fortunate that it wasn’t serious. But this time, because of Peggy’s history, Sam fears a different outcome. She’s putting her head in the sand, and the only thing she can think about is Ricky.”
Kim added: “I really hope Sam’s storyline highlights the importance of getting checked as soon as possible. We all need to encourage one another to regularly check our breasts, because early detection can make a huge difference to treatment and prognosis.”
- General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison Shares Behind-the-Scenes Christmas Movie Photos
- General Hospital Spoilers: Joss Struggles After Vaughn Vanishes – Will Someone Intervene in Time?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Trina Confronts Portia About Pregnancy Secret – Does Isaiah Overhear?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Is Britt Still Hurt Over Jason Picking Carly, or Is She Just Looking Out for Him?
- Two I’m A Celebrity contestants face major setback ahead of Sunday’s ITV finale
